SAR TECH III SEARCH AND RESCUE TECHNICIAN LEVEL III
STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027 | 100% Verified | SAR Certification |
Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: Survival Skills - Land, Arctic, Marine & Desert
Environments (Questions 1-18)
Question 1
A SAR Tech is forced to bivouac in a boreal forest during late autumn. Temperatures are
dropping to -5°C overnight. Which shelter construction method provides the best
thermal efficiency with minimal energy expenditure?
A. Construct a lean-to against a large tree using only evergreen boughs
B. Build a raised platform bed and cover with a tarp lean-to
C. Construct a debris hut (survival shelter) with a thick layer of insulating material on all
sides [CORRECT]
D. Dig a snow cave even though snow depth is only 30 cm
Rationale: A debris hut traps body heat effectively with minimal materials and energy. A
lean-to is drafty and loses heat. A raised bed alone doesn't provide enclosure. A snow
cave requires at least 1.5 m of snow for structural integrity and insulation.
Correct Answer: C
Question 2
,In arctic survival, a SAR Tech must prevent frostbite during a static observation post at
-30°C with 30 km/h winds. The wind chill factor is approximately:
A. -30°C
B. -40°C
C. -44°C [CORRECT]
D. -50°C
Rationale: Using the Canadian wind chill formula: WCI = 13.12 + 0.6215T - 11.37(V^0.16)
+ 0.3965T(V^0.16), at -30°C and 30 km/h, the wind chill is approximately -44°C. This
represents the increased heat loss rate on exposed skin.
Correct Answer: C
Question 3
A SAR Tech needs to start a fire in wet conditions using only one match. Which tinder
preparation method is MOST reliable?
A. Use green leaves from deciduous trees
B. Shave dry inner bark from birch or cedar into fine curls [CORRECT]
C. Collect moss directly from the ground in a swampy area
D. Use pine cones without any preparation
Rationale: Inner bark from birch or cedar contains oils and fibers that catch fire easily
even when damp. Green leaves contain moisture, ground moss is wet, and pine cones
require high heat to ignite.
Correct Answer: B
Question 4
,Which ground-to-air signal indicates "REQUIRE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE" using the
international ground-to-air signaling system?
A. Letter "X" laid out with contrasting materials [CORRECT]
B. Letter "V"
C. Letter "N"
D. Letter "L"
Rationale: In the international ground-to-air signaling code: X = require medical
assistance, V = require assistance, N = no, L = yes/proceed. The X signal is critical for
communicating urgent medical needs to overflying aircraft.
Correct Answer: A
Question 5
A SAR Tech is stranded in a desert environment. Which water procurement method
yields the highest volume of potable water per hour of effort?
A. Digging a seep hole in a dry riverbed at the outside bend [CORRECT]
B. Collecting dew from rocks using a cloth
C. Constructing a solar still over non-vegetated sand
D. Following a dry stream bed upstream indefinitely
Rationale: A seep hole in a dry riverbed (especially at the outside bend where water
travels slower and deposits sediment) can yield significant water through groundwater
seepage. Dew collection is minimal, solar stills produce only 0.5-1 L/day, and walking
upstream wastes energy.
Correct Answer: A
, Question 6
In a marine survival situation, a SAR Tech enters the water from a ditched aircraft at
10°C. Without thermal protection, the predicted survival time before incapacitation is
approximately:
A. 1-3 hours
B. 15-30 minutes [CORRECT]
C. 4-6 hours
D. 8-12 hours
Rationale: In water at 10°C without thermal protection, cold shock response occurs
immediately, and incapacitation from hypothermia typically occurs within 15-30
minutes. The 1-10-1 rule applies: 1 minute to control breathing, 10 minutes of
meaningful movement, 1 hour before unconsciousness (but incapacitation occurs
much sooner).
Correct Answer: B
Question 7
A SAR Tech's 24-hour survival pack must include which signaling device that is effective
both day and night?
A. Signal mirror only
B. Whistle only
C. Pyrotechnic flare and signal mirror [CORRECT]
D. Smoke grenade only
Rationale: A signal mirror is effective in daylight (can be seen up to 100 km), while
pyrotechnic flares are effective day and night. A whistle is audible only, smoke grenades
are daytime only. The combination provides 24-hour coverage.
STUDY GUIDE 2026/2027 | 100% Verified | SAR Certification |
Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: Survival Skills - Land, Arctic, Marine & Desert
Environments (Questions 1-18)
Question 1
A SAR Tech is forced to bivouac in a boreal forest during late autumn. Temperatures are
dropping to -5°C overnight. Which shelter construction method provides the best
thermal efficiency with minimal energy expenditure?
A. Construct a lean-to against a large tree using only evergreen boughs
B. Build a raised platform bed and cover with a tarp lean-to
C. Construct a debris hut (survival shelter) with a thick layer of insulating material on all
sides [CORRECT]
D. Dig a snow cave even though snow depth is only 30 cm
Rationale: A debris hut traps body heat effectively with minimal materials and energy. A
lean-to is drafty and loses heat. A raised bed alone doesn't provide enclosure. A snow
cave requires at least 1.5 m of snow for structural integrity and insulation.
Correct Answer: C
Question 2
,In arctic survival, a SAR Tech must prevent frostbite during a static observation post at
-30°C with 30 km/h winds. The wind chill factor is approximately:
A. -30°C
B. -40°C
C. -44°C [CORRECT]
D. -50°C
Rationale: Using the Canadian wind chill formula: WCI = 13.12 + 0.6215T - 11.37(V^0.16)
+ 0.3965T(V^0.16), at -30°C and 30 km/h, the wind chill is approximately -44°C. This
represents the increased heat loss rate on exposed skin.
Correct Answer: C
Question 3
A SAR Tech needs to start a fire in wet conditions using only one match. Which tinder
preparation method is MOST reliable?
A. Use green leaves from deciduous trees
B. Shave dry inner bark from birch or cedar into fine curls [CORRECT]
C. Collect moss directly from the ground in a swampy area
D. Use pine cones without any preparation
Rationale: Inner bark from birch or cedar contains oils and fibers that catch fire easily
even when damp. Green leaves contain moisture, ground moss is wet, and pine cones
require high heat to ignite.
Correct Answer: B
Question 4
,Which ground-to-air signal indicates "REQUIRE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE" using the
international ground-to-air signaling system?
A. Letter "X" laid out with contrasting materials [CORRECT]
B. Letter "V"
C. Letter "N"
D. Letter "L"
Rationale: In the international ground-to-air signaling code: X = require medical
assistance, V = require assistance, N = no, L = yes/proceed. The X signal is critical for
communicating urgent medical needs to overflying aircraft.
Correct Answer: A
Question 5
A SAR Tech is stranded in a desert environment. Which water procurement method
yields the highest volume of potable water per hour of effort?
A. Digging a seep hole in a dry riverbed at the outside bend [CORRECT]
B. Collecting dew from rocks using a cloth
C. Constructing a solar still over non-vegetated sand
D. Following a dry stream bed upstream indefinitely
Rationale: A seep hole in a dry riverbed (especially at the outside bend where water
travels slower and deposits sediment) can yield significant water through groundwater
seepage. Dew collection is minimal, solar stills produce only 0.5-1 L/day, and walking
upstream wastes energy.
Correct Answer: A
, Question 6
In a marine survival situation, a SAR Tech enters the water from a ditched aircraft at
10°C. Without thermal protection, the predicted survival time before incapacitation is
approximately:
A. 1-3 hours
B. 15-30 minutes [CORRECT]
C. 4-6 hours
D. 8-12 hours
Rationale: In water at 10°C without thermal protection, cold shock response occurs
immediately, and incapacitation from hypothermia typically occurs within 15-30
minutes. The 1-10-1 rule applies: 1 minute to control breathing, 10 minutes of
meaningful movement, 1 hour before unconsciousness (but incapacitation occurs
much sooner).
Correct Answer: B
Question 7
A SAR Tech's 24-hour survival pack must include which signaling device that is effective
both day and night?
A. Signal mirror only
B. Whistle only
C. Pyrotechnic flare and signal mirror [CORRECT]
D. Smoke grenade only
Rationale: A signal mirror is effective in daylight (can be seen up to 100 km), while
pyrotechnic flares are effective day and night. A whistle is audible only, smoke grenades
are daytime only. The combination provides 24-hour coverage.
